Fashioned from Nature exhibition opening party at the V&A

Charlie van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks wedding

The Grand National

12 Jul 1998

Sunday 12 July 1998

Neither wind nor rain nor the IRA were going to stop the drama, tradition heartbreak and exultation which is the Martel Grand National at Aintree, but one could understand the sponsor Patrick Martell calming his nerves with a glass or two of his own product. Dick Francis admitted that the plots of his novels are mundane compared with what can sometimes happen at the Martell Grand National. For those fortunate enough to be guests of Martell, a train from London with champagne breakfast was laid on. Sir Peter O'Sullevan had set his heart on kippers, which never arrived; had he not retired, he'd have eaten his microphone in despair. Naturally, he was quizzed for tips. 'C'mon, Peter, what do you fancy then?' The only sure advice he could give was not to bet on kippers. However, he did whisper in the ear of Princess Royal. Luckily, the Royal Family do not carry money; his tip was Rough Quest. The day continued promisingly, with lunch cooked by Albert Roux, who enjoyed explaining the secrets of his aiguillette de bœuf à l'ancienne to Sir Clement Freud. Of course, it wasn't all plain sailing. The steep bank offering a good view had to be negotiated by the two-legged. All manner of brogues and Patrick Coxes wrapped in plastic bags went up, but everybody came down again on their backsides. In the end, that mudlark Earth Summit triumphed. Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of the winner, agreed to an interview with Des Lynam only if owner, Nigel Payne, shaved off his moustache. In his elation, Nigel was prepared to promise anything. His wife of 27 years had never seen him without whiskers before.